SMS Marketing is not as easy as it seems, it can be confusing at times. But, where do you start from—long code sms or short code sms? The debate between long code sms vs. short code sms is never-endin for some, especially when the success of SMS campaigns depends on it. If you also want to know about the different forms of code SMS, and which option could be the best for your business, we have got your back.
There are a number of channels through which companies can reach out to their customers. SMS marketing is one of the most effective methods, and according to the statistics the customers prefer text messages over calls. Firstly, let’s understand long code sms vs. short sms for a better perspective.
1. Short Code SMS:37568
Shortcodes are more like delivery vehicles for text messages. Basically, a shortcode is a five-digit number that is directly assigned by carriers that allow SMS throughput. It can be customized, they are a premium SMS service—the catch is that short code SMS is excellent for customer service, non-collection account information, or reminders.
Having said that, Short code SMS services is even great for mass notifications, and they also support two-way messaging. For instance, when delivering message content for collection or account recovery, it then follows that short codes may not be reliable depending on where the entity lies as a first or third party. This is because carriers who provide shortcodes directly monitor the kind of communication going on over the network. If account recovery is your intended SMS application, then you may want to consider a different vehicle to ensure your messages are landing at the right place.
Also, there are two different types of short codes, shared codes and dedicated codes. Shared codes are used by different companies, and dedicated codes can only be used by one company.
877-009-1039
Long Code SMS basically refers to a 10-digit phone number that begins with an area code. It includes all the phone number features i.e. voice, fax, and international capabilities. Moreover, long codes are for person-person communication and are enabled by application. There are two main types of long code, person to person (P2P) used for low volume exchange between individuals. Another is Application-to-person (A2P) they are similar to short code, used to send mass marketing messages.
Long Code vs Short Code–which one is better?When it comes to placing an emphasis on SMS marketing and communications, it is significant to note that this conflict between long code SMS and short code SMS is linked with the question of function and performance. Now let us look at why people should patronize Short code SMS.
Mass messaging codes are normally short codes. As opposed to long codes that can be restricted by a lower throughput of 1 message per second, short codes can send hundreds of messages at a time. That is why short code SMS is ideal for all companies and organizations that require delivering long numbers of text messages, for instance, for advertising, informational or alarm purposes. So, the faster delivery is to reach the audience, the better in terms of the time-sensitive nature of the campaign.
It is evident that short code is easy to remember as compared to the long code as they are shorter in their length. For instance, a short code recalling 12345 is easier to remember and easier to be trusted than the 10 digits like 123-456-7890. Thus, the use of shortcodes is usually appropriate for marketing campaigns. Short codes are normally registered and approved by the telecom providers and thus most of them create a professional impression. They help to avoid being easily associated with spam and thus, increase the open rates among the customers.
3. Enhanced Customer EngagementShortcodes can be shorter and easily recognizable, and they are likely to receive more participation from the customers. For instance, short codes may be applied for voting, to join a certain service, or to join a promotion through an SMS. Ease of use can increase participation rates when compared to long code SMS which is not perceived by customers as easy to use while using such interaction types. Also, short codes can in many cases be branded or associated with specific campaigns thus enhancing branding and response rates.
A shortcode has some connections with higher compliance with the regulation, for example, PTA (Pakistan Telecom Association). Since short code numbers are registered and have to follow more strict rules of usage, the possibility of legal issues connected with sending messages that are not wanted is much lower. Moreover, it can also be revealed that short codes possess better security measures for users, which eliminates the possibility of code misuse by spammers or fake messages. This security makes them a preferred tool for secure communication and for instance two factor authentication or transactional alert.
5. Opt-in and Opt-out:When using short codes one of the key benefits they can also experience is that it is easy to opt-in or opt-out for any further communications. Customers usually are able to subscribe or unsubscribe from the receipt of messages through a simple text of a certain keyword like ‘STOP’ or ‘HELP’. This makes them convenient for use so as to enhance the interaction with the customers and makes short codes better for use in the campaigns that may involve quick and simple means of engagement with the customers.
The comparison and analysis of long code and short code SMS result in shortcode as the best option for business and organizations who wish to be fast, secure, have trust and engage their targets. This being the case, long codes may be long and adequate for low-density and or personal uses while short codes are suitable for high-density, business, and customer-oriented use. They lead to improved brand identity and regulatory compliance hence making them suitable for businesses that wish to get the best out of the companies they engage in the provision of branded SMS services in Pakistan.
